‘I am London’ was an exhibition curated in 2016 by Historic England. The description of the exhibition, as published in the accompanying guide, states that: “London’s historic buildings and places are as much a part of the city’s DNA as the people who live and work in it.
I am London is a celebration of the capital’s unique and complex identity; as much about its scientific endeavour, cutting edge art, performance and design, politics and campaigning, as its pubs, Pearly Kings and parks. It’s a snapshot of London in microcosm, told through its people and places.
60 Londoners, each with a different story to tell, have been photographed at a historic building or place that’s special to them. Each person’s unique London story is bound up in the place they have chosen, showing the city’s heritage is inspirational, provocative, frustrating, fun, familiar, humbling and home.
We want Londoners to be alive to their heritage, to ensure that, as London grows and changes, it keeps its essential character. From Soho to Brixton, from city to suburbs, London’s great old places keep on embracing generation after generation of Londoners — in turn, they light up our city with new ideas and fresh thinking. If we lose London’s fabric and character, we will lose something very precious.”
This image shows George Anderson, described in the exhibition guide as “Big Issue Seller, All Souls Church, All Souls Place”
Each Londoner was asked to provide answers to four questions. These are the answers provided by George Anderson: Question: “Where do you go to show people the real London?” Answer: “The top of Regent Street at night, where All Souls Church, BBC Headquarters and Langham Hotel form a junction is the best place to show people the real London. Rough sleepers use All Souls Church, wealthy visitors stay in the exclusive Langham Hotel and the BBC represents the pursuit of truth and integrity — for people not only in London and the UK, but also worldwide. All three are very impressive buildings.” Question: “If you sent a postcard from London, what view would you choose?” Answer: “I’d choose a view of All Souls Church adjacent to, and showing, the BBC as my postcard of London.” Question: “If there was another Great Fire of London, what historic building or place would you save?” Answer: “I’d rescue the Houses of Parliament from another Great Fire.” Question: “What do you owe London?” Answer: “What do I owe London? Hope.”
This is part of the Volume: VF000591 'I am London' exhibition; within the Series: HEC01/139 'I am London' exhibition; within the Collection: HEC01 Historic England
© Historic England Archive
Photographer: Redgrave, Christopher: Historic England
Georgian Church, People At Work, People Posed
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